DOCs workers compensation claims rise

The New South Wales Opposition says a big jump in the number of workers compensation claims being made by caseworkers from the Department of Family and Community Services should be ringing alarm bells.

New figures from the department's annual report show that the number of caseworkers lodging claims in the past year has increased by almost a third.

The figures also show that psychological injury remains the most common reason for seeking compensation, accounting for 32 per cent of all claims.

Opposition spokeswoman Linda Burney says the figures suggest caseworkers are being stressed by a system that has too many unfilled positions.

She says the Minister for Community Services, Pru Goward, should take notice.

"Pru Goward refuses to reveal what the vacancy rates are. We know that vacancy rates are up to 40 per cent in the western parts of New South Wales and some parts of western Sydney," Ms Burney said.

"If there are vacancy rates of 40 per cent that means caseworkers are under enormous stress, because they are trying to cover those vacancy rates."

A spokesman for Ms Goward has disputed the Opposition's vacancy rate figures.

He says there has been no reduction in the number of child protection workers since the Government came to office.

The Minister has asked for a full briefing on workers compensation from the head of the department.